Page 74 of Savoring Her Snake

Sighing, I shut the bedroom door and move to the bathroom. I did have to use it, but I also needed to get away. It’s overwhelming. Their presence is powerful. All of them are beautiful, and the women are kind. The men were all business, except for two men who were joking as they spoke. River was a wolf shifter and had nice eyes. I couldn’t help but stare at him as he walked in eating a bowl of spaghetti. No one seemed surprised. Sally looked at him with affection as she told me what animal he turned into.

Flushing the toilet, I move to the sink and turn on the water. I think the man who he was talking to was named James. He is a panther and came with a stunning woman and two other men. She is mated to all of them. As much fun as that sounds, I’m grateful Heath doesn’t like to share. I dry my hands and hesitate. It’s quiet in here. Leaning my palms on the counter, I bow my head. I need a few more minutes.

The lions came back. I laugh abruptly. Fuck. I knew about this world, but being in the center of it is still unreal. Since Stanly showed his animal, I have shoved the knowledge deep inside. It wasn’t shocking, yet I didn’t live in that world. I could know of their existence but continue with my life, ignoring the facts. It didn’t affect my life in drastic ways.

A knock on the bathroom door makes me jump.

“Jules,” Sally says, and I straighten. “Can I come in?”

“Yeah.” I turn and lean my ass against the sink.

“You okay?” She steps inside and shuts the door behind her.

“Of course,” I lie, and she tilts her head. “I needed a break.”

“I get it,” she says, leaning against the wall. “They forget you are human. It’s alright to be freaked.”

“Is it?” I cross my arms. “I need to keep it together.”

“Why?”

“Why?” I drop my arms and grip the counter. “Heath needs me to be okay.”

“Really?”

“He’s angry. I need to stay calm.”

“Of course, he’s pissed. His mate is being threatened. Think of a human man. If his girlfriend were threatened, he would be upset. Times that by a million.” She moves closer and leans beside me. “Everything is magnified for a shifter. Heath,” she starts, pointing toward the door. “Heath is out-of-this-world emotional.”

“Most of them wouldn’t think of him that way,” I say softly.

“I’m not most of them,” she replies.

“You know things,” I tease.

“I know a lot of things,” she grins, tapping my arm. “Some of them are useful.”

“I love him,” I admit quietly.

“I know. I can see it. Not with my gift. Your face gets soft when you look at him. Your body gravitates to his. The eyes show the worship,” she whispers.

“It’s that obvious?”

“Only to me. I like studying people.” She lifts a shoulder. “I can see how much you want his love.”

“I do.” I cross my arms again. “I always have. I grew up without much of it. Heath accepts me.”

“You deserve it,” she says. I shake my head. “Girl, you do.”

“This life is amazing and magical. Why would the universe pick me?” I swallow harshly. “I’ve always been confident in my body, but emotionally…” I dig my nails into my arms. “When you are used to being let down and told you aren’t good enough, you believe it.”

“Juliana,” Sally growls and steps in front of me. “Heath is sexy, kind, fierce, and powerful. The universe picks the perfect match and never makes a mistake. I wish I had your ass.” I jerk and can’t help but smile. “Your hair is always tousled the right amount. Your heart is huge, and Heath fits perfectly inside. Anytime you want a reminder of how badass you are, come to me.”

“Thanks, Sally.” I want her friendship.

“It takes even more strength to be weak.” She cups my chin softly before stepping back. The door opens suddenly, and Heath fills it.

“Damn, what if I was peeing?” she huffs.

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